West Ham have confirmed their interest in bringing former Chelsea forward Nicolas Anelka to the club in January.

The Frenchman, currently at Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, could be available in the transfer window - as reports continue to emerge that he is in a pay dispute with the club that could result in the cancellation of his contract.

A return to England could then be on the cards for the 33-year-old, with West Ham particularly keen to lure Anelka - manager Sam Allardyce having worked with him between 2006 and 2008 when both men were at Bolton.

"We are looking for good players and Anelka is a good player," said assistant manager Neil McDonald, according to the Daily Star.